that is a great question with a backstory, I am hoping for you !

@Darren ****

Where Did I Get This Info?

1. Direct conversations with Thai visa agents in Bangkok and Pattaya — they advise that many digital workers operate under the radar if income is from outside Thailand.

2. Insights from long-term expats and attorneys shared in communities like ThaiVisa, ASEAN NOW, and DTV groups — showing a pattern of non-enforcement for small-scale online earners.

3. Official Thai government updates on the DTV (Digital Nomad) visa, which now acknowledges location-independent work, even though full enforcement is still developing.

@Marianne *******

You’re absolutely right, Marianne — technically, any kind of work done while physically in Thailand does require the appropriate visa and work permit under Thai law.

What I’ve found (and what visa agents and expats confirm) is that in practice, many people quietly teach or freelance online — especially if:

• Their clients are outside Thailand

• Income goes to a foreign bank account

• They don’t advertise or take Thai clients

It’s not legal, but it’s also not aggressively enforced right now for small-scale online work. That said, the DTV visa looks like a great long-term option for those of us who want to be fully compliant and still work remotely.

These don’t require Thai work permits if income is from outside Thailand:

• Online English tutoring (if fluent):

Sites like Cambly, Preply, or iTalki

• Freelancing on Upwork/Fiverr:

Writing, translation, graphic design, admin, etc.

• Remote customer service/chat support (many US-based companies hire part-time globally)

hi every one, sometimes it helps to ask chat gtp, then with those answers ask the group how true it is, it is helpful to weed out the insulters this way

nice